According to theNew Buildings Institute Inc., 10 billion sq ft of new commercial space is expected to be built in the United States by 2010 — enough to cover an area larger than the entire city of New York. That is why the institute says it developed its Advanced Building Guidelines.

The institute believes that the guidelines will provide a comprehensive best practices reference for the commercial building sector, according to Gregg C. Achtenhagen, mechanical engineer and president of Ring & DuChanteau Inc., an engineering firm in Milwaukee. Members of the public and building professionals will have the opportunity this fall to comment on the first draft of the criteria, which is currently available. For more information, visit www.newbuildings.org/ABG.htm. National Facilities Management & Technology Conference/Expo Announces Continuing Education Offerings The National Facilities Management & Technology Conference/Expo (NFM&T)—the largest comprehensive event for the facilities management industry—recently announced new continuing education opportunities for attendees. Commencing at NFM&T 2003, which will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, March 18-20, event participants are eligible to earn certified maintenance points from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and continuing professional development credits from the Building Owners & Managers Institute (BOMI).